WineXpert A stirring question!

[iceclimb]

I am a frustrated newbie winemaker. For my first kit, I made a Chianti. It
has a good smell, and is very clear, but when poured has tiny bubbles in
it and has a slight carbonated taste.

When I made the kit, I stirred the heck out of the wine for about 20
minutes. 10 strokes one way, 10 strokes the other way, vigorously, and at
different depths. This step was done in August, so I don't think low
temperature has anything to do with it.

While that one was going, I started a second one, Old Vines Zinfandel. I
stirred that one about the same during the clearing step. That one is
currently aging in a carboy for 28 days, and is about 20 days into that
step.

I then started a third kit, a Montepulciano. Tonight I went to the clearing
step, and stirred VERY vigorously for about 20 minutes.. my process this
time however was to stir 10 strokes clockwise, then 10 counter clockwise,
as fast as possible for 2 minutes, then let the wine sit for 2 minutes, then
repeat. In all this resulted in about 5 full stirring rotations.

The wine became very foamy, which I didn't see in the other kits. So...
you're wondering.... after all that info.. get to the question man!

Here goes... Should I consider restirring my Zinfandel? Like I said, It
cleared, and was re-racked, and is about 18 days into the 28 day carboy
aging cycle. Would restirring help? Would it hurt? Any info you got would
be good..

Oh yeah, and if there's anything I can do to help the Chianti that's been in
bottles about 3 weeks... that would be great.

cheers,

rob

 

[jojo]

What I don't get is some of my stuff bubbles like crazy and others don't. My peach had no bubbles. I stirred and stirred.


I decided a while back that I am not getting into all the science of wine making. I hate it when I start out something with good childish fun only to let it turn into another evil academic affair.


I've read a few times that bulk aging for 6 months will do the trick. I siphon mine into a bucket and whip it both ways until it don't bubble anymore. But I'm holding out and letting my stuff age and let loose the CO2like some good folks here have said.


Edited by: jojo

 

[Hippie]

Exactly. If you are concerned the wine might still contain gas, don't bottle it until you are sure.

 

[masta]

My Advice: Buy yourself a drill mounted stirrer and settle wine kits at least 3 weeks before racking to a empty carboy/fermenter before bottling. Thisshould eliminate bottled wine that has dissolved CO2 and fines.

 

[bilbo-in-maine]

This is a good topic and timely advice. I'll be at the first step in clearing
and settling a kit next week. Kit instructions give timelines for the various
steps but don't really state that it is ok to wait even longer than the
durations specified.

 

[masta]

Most wine kits are designed to get your wine completed and in the bottle in 6 weeks but fermentation temps, level of kit, and grape varietal can have a effect on the total time line. This is why it is important to use your hydrometer to test specific gravity to determine end points of certain steps.


Resist the temptation and don't rush it....thewine will let you know when it is ready!

 

[peterCooper]

Funny that,

My first was a Chianti and I had the same problem. Part of it is that you
don't
understand what 'Whip it good' means until you have CO2 in your wine.

For the Chianti, open the bottle and let it breathe for an hour before
drinking. That'll let most of the CO2 out.and remember

Age cannot wither her, nor custome stale
Her infinite variety: other women cloy
The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry
Where most she satisfies. For vilest things
Become themselves in her, that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish.

Anthony and Cleopatra

Edited by: peterCooper

 

[Hippie]

Wow man, that's intense!

 

[peterCooper]

Love it man!
How else can you get Devo and Shakespeare in the same post?

Of course 'she' is the Vintner's Reserve Chianti.

I tell you Age cannot wither her, only make her better!

 

[peterCooper]

BTW,

Do you know what riggish mean?

 

[Hippie]

Nope, can't say as I have ever used that adjective. I am thinking maybe it means young or rough.

 

[Waldo]

Riggish = "Wanton"


Be careful with that "Chianti" for in the play Agrippa warns, "Royal wench! She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed:
He plough'd her, and she cropp'd."
Edited by: Waldo

 

[jojo]

this thread makes me wanna go home early

 

[Hippie]

Oh to be young again.